Minister's Message

November 2003

An Attitude of Gratitude

Wandering around Door County gift shops last week I ran across a quote that I had seen before, however, the author was not identified. The quote reads" The longer I live, the more I realize the impact of attitude on life. Attitude to me is more important than facts. It is more important than the past, than education, than money, than circumstances, than failures, than successes, than what other people think or say or do. It is more important than appearance, giftedness or skill. It will make or break a company, a church, a home. The remarkable thing is we have a choice every day regarding the attitude we will embrace for that day. I am convinced that life is ten percent what happens to me and ninety percent how I react to it."

As we enter this busy Thanksgiving season, we have a choice to focus on the external experience or turn within to rekindle the spirit of gratitude that is our natural expression of our spiritual nature. Charles Fillmore often spoke about keeping supply in circulation. As we give our time, treasure, talents, and a cheer-filled attitude, we circulate the universal supply that God has given us. The energy created in our giving blesses all. Each of you can think of a time when you gave or received a special gift and the impact of this giving is still powerful today. About 15 years ago, I was going through a checkout line at a grocery store. As the clerk handed me the receipt, she said "God Bless You" with such conviction and power that this experience remains a vivid memory in my life.

I invite each of you this month as you gather with family and friends in celebration of your many blessings, to extend a blessing to others and for those who want to stretch, extend a blessing to someone you do not know.

I affirm a joyous, healthy and prosperous Thanksgiving for you all.

Reverend Morgan
minister@unityofappleton.org